Medanta Workshop Aims to Transform Breast Cancer Treatment for Young Women

Lucknow : In response to the rising cases of breast cancer among young women, Medanta Hospital, Lucknow organized a high-impact medical workshop focused on modern strategies for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. The event was attended by oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and healthcare faculty from across India.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Dr. Amit Agarwal emphasized the growing threat of breast cancer, calling it a “rising epidemic.” He pointed out that addressing this issue requires training all involved experts—from surgeons and radiotherapists to psychologists—according to global standards. The workshop was designed as a case-based learning session, allowing young medical professionals and postgraduates to gain a comprehensive understanding of holistic breast cancer management.

“Treatment is not just surgery,” Dr. Agarwal stressed. “It also involves post-surgical therapy, mental health support, bone health monitoring, and social integration.”

Dr. Roma, co-convener of the event, introduced the workshop as the first in a planned "Masterclass Series" with a dedicated focus on younger patients—particularly women in their early 40s, who are increasingly being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Several medical luminaries contributed to the sessions:

Dr. Pooja Ramakant from KGMU’s Endocrine Surgery Department highlighted the importance of early screening and advanced imaging in younger age groups.

Dr. Rajeev Agarwal, Director of Breast Services at Medanta Gurugram, explored personalized treatment approaches using Oncotype DX for HR+ HER2- cases, and loco-regional therapies in younger patients.

Dr. Abhishek Singh from Medanta Lucknow discussed the role of neo-adjuvant strategies in improving survival among young patients.

Dr. Ashutosh Mishra, Additional Professor from AIIMS Delhi, explained the relevance of genetic testing and risk-reducing surgery in hereditary breast cancer cases.

Dr. Radhika Bajpai, IVF expert from Lucknow, discussed fertility preservation, a vital issue for young cancer patients planning to conceive in the future.

Dr. Anand Mishra, HOD, Endocrine Surgery, KGMU, warned against overtreatment and long-term side effects, focusing on the survivorship phase and quality of life.

The final session featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Amit Agarwal and Dr. Roma Pradhan. It revolved around a complex case study and included panelists such as Dr. Rajeev Agarwal, Dr. Anand Mishra, Dr. Ashutosh Mishra, Dr. Pooja Ramakant, Dr. Anjali Mishra, Dr. Amit Pandey, Dr. Suhail, Dr. Abhishek Krishna, and Dr. Kushagra Gaurav.

The workshop concluded with a consensus that breast cancer treatment in India must evolve beyond surgery and chemotherapy. A 360-degree approach—covering mental health, hormonal balance, reproductive concerns, and long-term wellness—is now vital in treating younger patients.

This landmark event is expected to set the foundation for more specialized training programs aimed at building a future-ready medical community to combat breast cancer effectively.